A father's wounded heart. A mother's patient love. An eager boy, an impetuous girl, and above all the healing power of nature. These are the classic ingredients that fill Virginia Sorensen's Newbery Award winning novel with a tender power and lift it to classic status.

After her father returns from the war moody and tired, Marly's family decides to move from the city to Maple Hill Farm in the Pennsylvania countryside where they share many adventures which help restore their spirits and their bond with each other.